The Super Bowl is not only known for its thrilling football action but also for the highly anticipated commercials that air during the big game. Over the years, hip-hop and rap have become an integral part of these commercials, with a long list of rappers lending their star power to brands aiming to connect with a broad, diverse audience.
In fact, several of hip-hop’s biggest stars have used the opportunity to expand their brands beyond music, turning Super Bowl ads into major promotional platforms. From Eminem to Ice Spice, rappers have been featured in some of the most memorable Super Bowl spots, solidifying hip-hop’s role in mainstream advertising.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic rappers in Super Bowl commercials over the years and see how they’ve helped shape this unique fusion of music and advertising.
1. LL Cool J, Missy Elliott & Busta Rhymes – 2008 Pepsi Ad
- Brand: Pepsi
- Ad Year: 2008
- Song: “What Is Love”
In 2008, Pepsi turned to LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes to deliver a fun and energetic ad that incorporated hip-hop culture with sports. The commercial, soundtracked by the hit “What Is Love,” showcased the three rap legends getting revitalized after drinking Diet Pepsi Max, tapping into the youthful, energetic vibe of the product.
2. MC Hammer – 2009 Cash4Gold Ad
- Brand: Cash4Gold
- Ad Year: 2009
In one of the most memorable and humorous Super Bowl ads, MC Hammer teamed up with Ed McMahon for a spot promoting Cash4Gold. Hammer’s iconic gold medallion and his humorous delivery made this ad stand out, cementing its place as a pop culture moment.
3. Will.i.am – 2009 Pepsi Ad
- Brand: Pepsi
- Ad Year: 2009
In another Pepsi ad, Will.i.am appeared alongside Bob Dylan in a memorable commercial that explored the intersection of different generations of cultural icons. The spot showcased the rapper’s musical talent while promoting Pepsi’s long-standing connection with hip-hop and youth culture.
4. T-Pain – 2010 Bud Light Ad
- Brand: Bud Light
- Ad Year: 2010
T-Pain’s famous Auto-Tune persona made him the perfect fit for Bud Light’s 2010 Super Bowl commercial. In the ad, a man begins speaking in Auto-Tune after his wife brings home a case of Bud Light, and T-Pain himself appears to continue the fun, contributing to the ad’s wild, energetic appeal.
5. Eminem – 2011 Chrysler Ad
- Brand: Chrysler
- Ad Year: 2011
Detroit’s own Eminem starred in a powerful and emotional Super Bowl commercial for Chrysler. With the iconic “Lose Yourself” playing in the background, Eminem drives through the city, showcasing Detroit’s resilience and blue-collar spirit. This ad became a standout in Super Bowl history, blending music and city pride seamlessly.
6. Flavor Flav – 2012 Pepsi Ad
- Brand: Pepsi
- Ad Year: 2012
Pepsi kept the tradition of hip-hop in its Super Bowl commercials going strong by featuring Flavor Flav in a medieval-themed ad. The ad showcased Flav’s humor as he played a jester, and it was just one example of Pepsi’s love affair with hip-hop culture in their Super Bowl spots.
7. Snoop Dogg – 2015 Eat24 Ad
- Brand: Eat24
- Ad Year: 2015
In a hilarious Eat24 Super Bowl ad, Snoop Dogg takes on the role of a professional doctor, diagnosing the symptoms of being “hangry.” The ad highlights Snoop’s iconic charisma and humor, adding to his reputation as one of the most marketable rap icons.
8. Lil Wayne – 2016 Apartments.com Ad
- Brand: Apartments.com
- Ad Year: 2016
Lil Wayne joined the 2016 Super Bowl ad wave for Apartments.com, starring in a fun commercial alongside George Washington. The rapper’s laid-back demeanor brought humor to the ad, making it a memorable Super Bowl moment.
9. Drake – 2016 T-Mobile Ad
- Brand: T-Mobile
- Ad Year: 2016
Drake showed off his acting skills and sense of humor in T-Mobile’s 2016 Super Bowl ad. The ad featured him doing the iconic “Hotline Bling” dance moves while interacting with T-Mobile reps. The playful nature of the ad aligned perfectly with Drake’s brand.
10. Missy Elliott – 2017 Honda Ad
- Brand: Honda
- Ad Year: 2017
Missy Elliott starred in a Honda Super Bowl commercial that took a creative twist, showing the rapper as part of a medieval-themed storyline. This commercial tapped into her musical genius and unconventional style, proving her influence across different platforms.
11. Big Sean – 2018 Rocket Mortgage Ad
- Brand: Rocket Mortgage
- Ad Year: 2018
In the Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl ad, Big Sean made an appearance, bringing his hit song “Bounce Back” into the spotlight while showing off his clever humor. The ad, featuring Keegan-Michael Key, used Big Sean’s music to validate a fun moment that made viewers chuckle.
12. Pras – 2018 Blacture Ad
- Brand: Blacture
- Ad Year: 2018
Pras of the Fugees made a surprising appearance in a Super Bowl ad for Blacture. The ad showcased him in an avant-garde fashion, with a mysterious and provocative tone that set it apart from traditional Super Bowl ads.
13. Yo Gotti & Iggy Azalea – 2018 Monster Ad
- Brand: Monster
- Ad Year: 2018
In Monster’s 2018 ad, Yo Gotti and Iggy Azalea appeared together in a spot promoting the brand’s audio products. The ad played on their chemistry and musical appeal, making for a dynamic duo that resonated with fans.
14. Cardi B – 2018 Amazon Ad
- Brand: Amazon
- Ad Year: 2018
Cardi B brought her iconic humor to Amazon’s 2018 Super Bowl ad, where she replaced the voice of Alexa with her signature flair. The ad showcased Cardi’s versatility and made a lasting impact as a comedic take on the Amazon Alexa technology.
15. Jack Harlow – 2022 Doritos Ad
- Brand: Doritos
- Ad Year: 2022
Jack Harlow starred in a fun and quirky Doritos ad, where he gets inspired by the shape of Dorito chips to create a new beat. The commercial was lighthearted and showed off Jack’s creativity and personality in a humorous way.
16. Raekwon – 2023 DoorDash Ad
- Brand: DoorDash
- Ad Year: 2023
Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan made an appearance in DoorDash’s 2023 ad, showing off his charm and delivery expertise in a grocery store scenario. The ad stood out for its blend of hip-hop culture and practical everyday tasks.
17. Ice Spice – 2024 Starry Soda Commercial
- Brand: Starry Soda
- Ad Year: 2024
Ice Spice made her Super Bowl debut in 2024 in a Starry Soda commercial. The ad depicted Ice Spice rejecting an ex-boyfriend and opting for a more refreshing and crisp choice, symbolizing the rapper’s rise and independence.
18. LL Cool J – 2024 Coors Light Commercial
- Brand: Coors Light
- Ad Year: 2024
LL Cool J made a return to Super Bowl ads in 2024 as the conductor of Coors Light’s Chill Train. This commercial marked the train’s return to the Super Bowl after a long hiatus, with LL Cool J driving the nostalgic experience.
19. Ludacris – 2025 Häagen-Dazs Ad
- Brand: Häagen-Dazs
- Ad Year: 2025
Ludacris stars in Häagen-Dazs 2025 Super Bowl ad, paying homage to his role in the Fast & Furious franchise while bringing his usual charisma to the ice cream brand.
20. Post Malone – 2025 Bud Light Commercial
- Brand: Bud Light
- Ad Year: 2025
Post Malone makes a return to Super Bowl ads in 2025 with a Bud Light commercial. In this spot, he kicks off a cul-de-sac party, bringing his signature laid-back style to the commercial and showcasing his ongoing connection with fans.
Conclusion: Rappers in Super Bowl Commercials – A Powerful Presence
Over the years, rappers have cemented their place in Super Bowl commercials, using their iconic status to elevate brands and connect with diverse audiences. From Eminem’s emotional commercial with Chrysler to Cardi B’s humorous take on Amazon’s Alexa, these ads showcase how hip-hop and advertising have become inseparable in the Super Bowl world.
As more rappers join the ranks of those who have starred in these high-profile ads, it’s clear that hip-hop’s influence on pop culture continues to thrive — both on and off the field. The next Super Bowl will undoubtedly bring even more surprises, as rappers continue to shine in the world of commercial advertising.
